Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on reports of severe deficiencies in the provision of neurosurgical services here; the number on waiting lists to neurosurgical units; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41386/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Services Executive recently published a Review of Neurosurgical Services in Ireland. It identifies a clear need for significant investment in and organisational reform of neurosurgical services.

Neurosurgery is currently provided at the national centre in Beaumont Hospital and in Cork University Hospital. The Report recommends that the future development of safe, high quality neurosurgical services in Ireland would be best served by a two-pronged approach:

1. Increased capacity in Dublin and Cork;

2. Improved access to neurosurgical units, including transport and telemedicine facilities for referring hospitals.

The HSE is committed to progressing the recommendations of the Report. It is undertaking a national neurosciences needs assessment. Neuroscience includes neurology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery. This assessment is guided by previous reviews of neurology and neurophysiology services and the recent report on neurosurgery. It aims to clearly identify the requirements for neuroscience services as a whole across the country.

An additional €3m was provided in 2006 to develop 3 new neurology units in Waterford, Limerick and Sligo through the appointment of 3 consultant neurology teams. In addition, the HSE provided funding for the appointment of an additional paediatric neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital this year. The recently published Estimates for the Health Service Executive provides a further €4m to continue these developments into 2007.

Responsibility for the collection and reporting of waiting lists and waiting times now falls within the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). My Department has, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of the NTPF to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.